“ASEAN DAY” AT THE UNITED NATIONS

The 55th ASEAN DAY anniversary took place at the United Nations headquartered in Vienna on February 9, 2022 (Vienna time). Ambassadors from ASEAN countries, heads of Permanent Missions of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna, guests, and hundreds of international friends were in attendance.

View of the ASEAN Day Anniversary from the United Nations in Vienna

The event began with the ASEAN song, which was followed by a speech from Ambassador U Min Thein of Myanmar, Rotating Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna, and a congratulatory speech from Mr. Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director of the UNODC's Public Affairs and Policy Analysis Department (on behalf of the UNOV Director-General). Following that, representatives from the ASEAN Committee's Permanent Missions in Vienna, as well as UNOV/UNODC, IAEA, UNIDO, and CTBTO, posed for commemorative photographs. Finally, the performance of national costumes and the enjoyment of ASEAN cuisine are highlights.

Heads of Permanent Missions of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna, Representatives of International Guests at the United Nations, students, and models dressed in traditional costumes from various countries pose for a commemorative photograph.

Ambassador U Min Thein of Myanmar, Rotating Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna, spoke about ASEAN's progress, development, and achievements, affirmed ASEAN's future vision, and thanked the United Nations and international organizations for their past support of the ASEAN community: “During this 55th anniversary, significant progress can be witnessed by the thriving of six more countries to the Treaty of Albany and cooperation in Southeast Asia, raising its membership to 49 and the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. These achievements have cemented ASEAN per these and position as a central role in shaping the region's architecture, particularly in its relations with external partners”.

Ambassador U Min Thein of Myanmar, Rotating Chairman of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna, shared his opinion about ASEAN's progress, development, and vision.

The Vietnamese Embassy also brought a performance of traditional Ao Dai (bronze drums, phoenixes, and Vietnamese landscapes hand-painted are decorated on national costumes) and Vietnamese traditional dishes to the event. Ambassador Nguyen Trung Kien stated: “When we bring Vietnam to the world, the world will know Vietnam as a very strong and indomitable country, but few are aware of Vietnam as a rich, strong, beautiful, and hospitable country, which Ao Dai has brought. It subtly conveys the beauty of the Vietnamese people, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to the difficulties of nature and the times. This is a very difficult task. As you are aware, communicating that to the rest of the world is challenging. We don't consider ourselves to have succeeded, but we are always striving for the best. On behalf of the students who wore the Ao Dai, I'd like to thank everyone who helped make it to today's Asean Day performance”.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Trung Kien and his wife, as well as Vietnamese students in Austria, wore Ao Dai to pose for a commemorative photographs (International Media reported)

These Ao Dai aren't the most satisfying ones, but they represent the most respectful heart of Vietnamese students in Austria toward "ASEAN Day" Anniversary at the United Nations.

Mr. Peter Haider, President of Universal Peace Federation Austria which is operated at more than 150 countries, shared: “It's very nice to see all these beautiful clothes and we can see the happiness somehow which is expressed and the colors and the goodmood of the people of ASEAN. We are happy and in Europe we have to learn from the vibrant spirit of the Asian countries, especially all these ASEAN countries working together a little bit like the European Union”. When the reporter asked about the Ao Dai of Vietnam, he said: “It’s very beautiful. Of course, I think Vietnam is a very interesting country because it developed a lot and became so prominent now on the world stage. Unfortunately I have no chance to visit Vietnam. I was in Korea for a few times. But I'm looking forward in the near future to go also to Vietnam. I'm looking forward and I hope I have a chance to do so”.

Mr. Peter Haider, President of Universal Peace Federation in Austria, is at the event

The show of traditional costumes from the countries was described as "diverse, colorful, lively, and impressive" by international guests and friends. They all express genuine admiration for ASEAN cuisine in particular, and Asian cuisine in general. The United Nations' 55th anniversary of the foundation of ASEAN in Vienna was brief but successful, leaving a favorable impression on the hearts of UN and European guests and friends.